22.4.15

Free Speech, Rachmaninov And Twitter Posts: How The Ukrainian War Invaded Toronto's Stage

...The answer (quoted via Musical Toronto) from the Toronto Symphony Orchestra came soon: “Due to ongoing accusations of deeply offensive language by Ukrainian media outlets, we have decided to replace Valentina Lisita… Valentina Lisitsa’s provocative comments have overshadowed past performances. As one of Canada’s most important cultural institutions, our priority must remain on being a stage for the world’s great works of music, and not for opinions that some believe to be deeply offensive.”

This is perhaps the key quote, certainly the aspect that justifies the waves this issue created: The TSO just suggested that it was OK to cancel the appearance of an artist who holds and expresses, in a TSO-unrelated context, “opinions that some believe to be deeply offensive.” Let that one melt on your tongue....

"@TorontoSymphony disapproves of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it, unless it might be offensive to someone."